Homestead High School - Retrospect Yearbook (Fort Wayne, IN)

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I Q . 'S , my . QQQJ in-. - tt s f S' . T tl fl. Parr named best of Southwest I love him, stated junior Rosalyn Cooperman. No, she wasn't talking about her boyfriend, she was talking about her English teacher, Dennis Parr. His enthusiasm about teaching makes it easier to learn, added Cooperman. Parr believed that his strengths were his humor in teaching and keeping the students interested. This was the reason Parr was named Southwest Allen County District Teacher of the Year. Parr competed against six other teachers, one from each building. These six nominations were reviewed by a committee and they chose Parr. The 14 year veteran of Homestead was very pleased and flattered about the award. For state competition, he D By Gwen Carpenter collected a variety of essays, recommendations from Dr. David Spittal, James Manak, teachers and students, and an autobiography. Parr was invited to a local dinner where the governor was present. Another invitation was to a luncheon with H.D. Evans, the superintendent of State Public instruction. Besides these invitations, Parr got the honor of being known as teacher of the year throughout the district and gained respect of many teachers and students. Parr thought that students had trouble balancing academics, extracurricular activities, jobs, and social life. School is most important, commented Parr. ' ligne -1,3 LAST LOOK. Seniors Chris Florin and Ron Buskirk read over their term papers before they hand them in. CONCENTRATION. Senior Cheryl James gets information before writing her essay. 46 English

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-,,- - I X f. ,!ly'v' Z X f j'fV 'Q- .2 ,..-' LU.. 'i N , i IT S ALL IN THE FINGERS. Freshman Kevin Goodman takes a speed test in typing class. ENDLESS NUMBERS. Senior Jason Stults works on his computer program. 't f '-'T-7. Q . Q 'NQJ ' 'O er ' Working in O.EA. prepared me for a business career. Jenny Gruber 77 Gruber V.P. in State O.E.A. Plain and peanut M Sc M's and Homestead mugs were items that the members of the Office Education Association COEAJ sold to raise money. The money was then used later in the year to help send students and the vice- president of the district to the state conference in Indianapolis. OEA was an organization that went beyond academics to help prepare students for careers in the business field. OEA gives youth a chance to develop self-confidence and leadership skills outside of the academic area through extracurricular work, said advisor Sue Chambers. lj By Janelle DeMond OEA consisted of 16 interested students from the typing and COE classes. The members met each month to plan activities and upcoming conferences. The chapter was led by senior Jenny Gruber. Last year, Gruber was elected Vice-President for District 3 which included 13 schools in North-East Indiana. She had to organize the district conference in the spring as well as help in the regional and national conferences. Throughout the year, Gruber had to work with many different types of people in organizing and planing conferences. Jenny is very effective with peop1e, said Chambers. Business!ICE!COE

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Requirements increased 1130 for 89 Freshmen . A .S Everyone has had English. We've taken it since we were in the first grade. For this year's freshmen, who are required to have Q4 yearsj of English, they will be taking it until they graduate. The rest of the classes, after taking their sophomore English course, could take English for another year or they could say goodbye to essays and to Poe. Many students choose to continue and take the extra years because most colleges require three years of English. Even noncollege-bound students take more classes just to learn how to read and write more effectively, said Mr. Paul Felten, chairman of the English department. Even though Communications' title was switched to English 11, there weren't any new courses offered in the English department. Next year, however, a class is planned which will teach basic skills using contemporary materials like magazines and newspapers. One thing that happened with the English department was Mr. Parr won the SWAC teacher of the year. Parr was also A 4- lj By Maureen Condron named a Semi-finalist in the State competition. Being recognized as the teacher of the year and being named a Semi-finalist were welcome honors, said Parr. I certainly appreciated the support that the corporation has given me. Support was also given to other classes as well. Students took classes such as speech, drama, joumalism, college reading lab and staff photography to fill their electives. Why do English teachers enjoy teaching? In fact, why does any teacher enjoy teaching? I enjoy teaching English because I believe that the study of English is a perfect blend of skills and ideas, said Parr. I like working with young people. In an English class we can read, write, talk, and think about the nature of people, rather than things, said Felten. English teacher Pat Krueger said she liked teaching because I like being with people. I like to read and encourage other people to read. My father had a great influence on me. X., fl' I enjoy teaching English because I believe that the study of English is a perfect blend of skills and ideas. Dennis Parr, English teacher 97 'r 1 Nr V' Q, GIVING ADVICE. English teacher Lynne Walker shows Laura Somers a correction on her term paper. HELPING HAND. English teacher Pat Krueger helps freshman Krista Jenkins with her paper. English 47